Malta - The George Cross Island

The Second World War 1939-45

The island of Malta has long been a strategic base for British forces operating in the Mediterranean Sea, or as a stop-off point for those en route to other theatres. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856, ships stopped at the island and during the First World War it served as a major naval base supporting the campaign in Gallipoli.

Throughout WW2 its importance was premier both as a naval base and an air base from where aircraft flew operations to protect convoys to North Africa. Italy declared war against Britain on 10th June and the following day mounted its first air raid against Malta. From then on the island's position became increasingly more important.

From January 1941 until August 1942 the island was constantly attacked and at one point Malta was the most bombed location of the war. The island's defences were sorely pressed and resources were severely rationed. The epic heroism which helped deliver the 'Operation Pedestal' convoy with its vital supplies of fuel undoubtedly saved the island.

The civilian population suffered heavy casualties and in April 1942 their bravery was recognised when King George VI awarded the island the George Cross. The island was vital in allowing the Allies to carry on the war in the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa.

Sample Itinerary - 5 Days

Below is a sample itinerary for a 5 day tour, all tours are personalised and once your tour is booked your expert guide will get in touch to start working with you to produce your bespoke tour.

Day 1 - Our expert guide will travel with you from the UK and on arrival at Malta airport, you will be met by our local representative who will escort you to your coach for the transfer to your hotel. This evening there will be a presentation and overview.

Day 2 - Malta - Today we will walk around Valletta, where your guide will tell you about the history of Malta and Valetta, setting the scene as we follow Malta from The Great Siege in 1565, its development through to the Malta we see today. We visit the War Headquarters and Tunnels - which were used during the Battle for Malta in WW2. After lunch we stop at the ramparts overlooking the harbour, where we examine the geographic position of Malta, the Grand Harbour and its importance as a Naval Base. Next to Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum, for a general overview including Malta's history and Malta's George Cross, before we hear about the Italian X Flotilla, an attempt by the Italian's to attack the Grand Harbour using divers and mini submarines.

Day 3 - Air Defence - This morning starts with a visit to Il Widna (The Ear), where before the invention of radar parabolic sound mirrors were used experimentally, we learn about the evolution of this technology before heading to Dingli, which was the site of the first radar in Malta. The Aviation Museum is our next stop as we look at some of the aircraft used during the siege in WW2. At the Air Raid Shelter at Mellieha, we look at the civilian aspects of the siege, before heading to Mosta Rotunda to hear the story of “The Bomb Miracle” as the church was bombed by the Germans in April 1942 during mass.

Day 4 - Ground War Victorian to WW2 - We travel to Victoria Lines which were built in the 1860's across the centre of the island and reinvested in WW2. Our next stop is at Fort Rinella, a restored Victorian fort and museum which was built in the 1860's. Operation Herkules was the planned German/Italian invasion of Malta, we will view the air and amphibious landing sites for the operation and learn about the plans for defence. Finally today we visit Mdina, which is the capital of Malta and a great walled city, after free time to explore, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 5 - This morning we will visit Pieta Military Cemetery to pay our respects, before we transfer you back to the airport for your return flight.

All our tours and itineraries are bespoke and put together to match your requirements, please get in touch to discuss your tour.

What's Included

Full services of an executive coach for the duration of your Battlefield Tour

Four nights' accommodation in Sliema Bay

Bed and breakfast

Full Services of an expert Battlefield Guide - including personalised itinerary

Entrance to Lascaris War Rooms, National War Museum, Aviation Museum, Fort Rinella and the Air Raid Shelter, Mellieha

Contact Us

Battlefield Tours

CGT Battlefields is a specialist tour operator, our tours cover World War I and World War II battlefields across Europe
providing inspirational tours to the sites of The Great War and Second World War.

Visiting the battlefields from any conflict, is a truly captivating and moving experience, though some of the battlefields are nearly 100 years old, the soldiers who fought here had similar backgrounds, dreams and hopes as many of us. A Battlefield Tour allows you to understand these events, remember the sacrifices made and recognise how these shaped the world we see today.

World War 1 and World War 2 Battlefield Tours and Holidays for Groups

CGT Battlefield Tours, a specialist group travel operator, providing guided inspirational tours to the sites of World War I and II in Belgium, France and Holland.

We're a specialist group travel operator, we use only the very best coaches on its holidays. Travel you can Trust. Contact us for details

Contact CGT Battlefield Tours, a specialist group travel operator, providing inspirational tours to the battlefield sites of World War I and II.

Run a War gaming Club, or other Social Group / Association? CGT Battlefield Tours can provide an informative, inspirational, tours to the sites of World War I and II.

What do our clients say?

World War 2 Battlefield Tour

"The tour was great and the guide was excellent. I had no problems at any stage, the coach company was excellent and helpful as were the staff at the hotel so I really can't fault it. Your own organisation was also faultless and hassle free. I will certainly pass on your details to friends at other establishments"

Mr C. - Normandy Tour

World War 2 Battlefield Tour

"Be grateful if you could pass on my thanks to Amport & District Coaches for Tony last weekend. not only is he an excellent driver he knows the area well and probably what was most important was that he had an excellent rapport with teachers and pupils."

Mr P. - Normandy Tour

World War 1 Battlefield Tour

"Zoi and her team were extremely helpful with the booking of hotels and transport. Their very helpful and experienced staff minimalized the hassle, particularly when we made last minute changes. I would be very happy to deal with the company again"

Mr R. Ypres Tour

World War 1 Battlefield Tour

"From the outset all of my cares and concerns were taken care of. In all we had a fantastic three days and ultimately this must be down to Zoi Pearce and the team"